Sikkim : A Traveller's Guide [Paperback]

Sujoy Das (Author), Arundhati Ray (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 2, 2001

On the eastern border of India, sandwiched between Bhutan and Nepal and on the ancient trade route to Tibet, lies one of the last wonderlands of myth and legend. This is the world over which towers Kangchendzonga- probably the most spectacular of Himalayan peaks. Tropical orchids and alpine snow leopards inhabit this region. The hum of Buddhist prayer wheels, tribal gongs, Hindu chants and church bells harmonise to produce a wonderfully hybrid culture. Sikkim has always lured travellers- whether pilgrims, trekkers, botanists, or just people who want a serene break from routine. But access to this hill state was restricted for many years. Only in recent times have all tourists including foreigners, been given permission to visit. Photographer Sujoy Das, who fell early under the spell of Sikkim, has been documenting the land over the last two decades and provides rare pictures of its people, mountains and barren plateaus. Arundhati Ray covers all that a visitor needs to know in order to travel here. In a wonderfully story-telling style, peppered with anecdotes and folk tales, she provides the essential information. Together with Das's evocative and perceptive essays about his many journeys in Sikkim, these make the book more than just a guide: it offers a complete travel experience. <P>Highlights: <P>How to get there, what to expect once you get there <P>Detailed information on physical geography, history, races and religions, flowers and animals, culture and festivals <P>Stunning photographs <P>The right season, routes and distances, the right kit, places to stay, shopping, sightseeing and good food

Editorial Reviews

Review

It is an explorer's diary, a historian's notebook and a breathtaking pictorial introduction to the land of the Lepchas. -- Indian Express Magazine January 14, 2001<br /><br />This book is worthwhile for its stunning photographs alone -- The Statesman<br /><br />This book is worthwhile for its stunning photographs alone. --The Statesman January 21,2001

About the Author

Sujoy Das has trekked and photographed in Sikkim, Nepal, Garhwal, Kumaon, Kashmir and Himachal for the last twenty years. His photographs on the Himalaya have been exhibited at the Festival of India photographic exhibition `Pratibimba' which toured the USSR in 1987-88 and at the International Mountaineering Foundation Museum in 1991. He has held one man exhibitions of his work in New Delhi and Calcutta in 1992. His has contributed photo-essays to leading magazines and newspapers in India and abroad. His photographs have been used in the APA Insight Guides: Calcutta, South India and Sikkim, Darjeeling and Kalimpong. Das is represented by the international photo-agency Stock Boston Inc, U.S.A. Arundhati Ray is a Calcutta-based journalist who focuses on the social sector; her articles appear in leading publications. She obtained a PhD in English from the State University of New York, Stony Brook and spends a considerable part of her time in the Eastern Himalaya travelling and researching the area and its people.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Sangam Books Ltd; 1 edition (January 2, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 8178240084
• ISBN-13: 978-8178240084
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,119,591 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Top class guide to Sikkim, May 11, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Sikkim : A Traveller's Guide (Paperback)

breathtaking photographs,wonderful essays, informative travel and historical information about Sikkim. I recommend this book very strongly for anyone visiting/vacationing in Sikkim.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best book on Sikkim till date!!!, March 18, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Sikkim : A Traveller's Guide (Paperback)

Great photographs, lucid text, all the essential nformation, makes me want to go to Sikkim instantly!!!